Yes DIY: Pensioners for Independence back White Rose Day

Yes DIY: Pensioners for Independence back White Rose Day

MORE and more Yes groups are planning events for White Rose Day on March 30, when the movement will mark the death of Scottish democracy on the first full day the country is removed from the EU against the expressed democratic will of the Scottish people.

We have been asked if the event is still going ahead given that there is now a real chance of an extension to the Article 50 process.

Having consulted with the group that initiated the concept, Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence, the answer is an emphatic Yes and on Saturday we will be reporting on those groups and individuals who have come up with suggestions and projects.

We will also be indicating how local groups can make a peaceful protest by laying white roses at prominent local landmarks.

One of the groups who have indicated their support is the national Pensioners for Independence group.

On Saturday, March 16, they will hold their first AGM in the Augustine Church,George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, from 1pm until 5pm. Speakers will include Joanna Cherry MP, councillor Ashley Graczyk and The National columnist Paul Kavanagh, aka the Wee Ginger Dug.

The group wrote to tell us: “More and more enthusiastic oldies have been joining us, keen to put the various skills they have developed through life to the noble cause of Scottish independence.

“Well developed groups in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway have taken part in all the All Under One Banner marches, held stalls, hosted talks and met up with other Yes groups all over – it’s always inspiring, and fun, to join other like-minded people.

“Edinburgh and Lothians P4indy have held 24 stalls since the new year, always with more eye catching posters; the Glasgow group have a stall in Argyll Street on Thursdays and as the “P4indy Warblers” play and sing for community groups; and the ever-inventive Dumfries and Galloway people have, among many other things, initiated the White Rose Day.”

Also on Saturday, the Dundee & Angus Indy group are returning to the Stobswell neighbourhood.

They report: “In October, those who attended the family day we held there asked if we would be coming back, so we decided that was exactly what we would do – go back to ‘Stobie’, to go and see our friends there and build on the relationships we established last year.

“On Saturday from 12.30-3pm we’ll be going back to the Park Halls, in Park Avenue, Dundee for another family day with free café, kids’ activities, face panting, tombola and, of course, plenty of opportunity to chat about raising healthier, happier kids – which is an important aim of an independent Scotland.”

The event is free.

Yes activists called on to aid new west coast group

AS the Yes phenomenon spreads the length and breadth of Scotland, it has been our privilege to chronicle the growth of the greatest pro-independence grass-roots political mass movement in Scottish history.

Just occasionally we are asked to provide advice to people who want to join the Yes movement and regular readers will know we always encourage the sharing of expertise.

That’s why we are confident that somewhere in the movement there will be someone who can take the time to assist Nicky Docherty, who lives on the beautiful peninsula of Ardnamurchan on the west coast. Nicky wrote to The National to say: “I live in Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula and myself and other independence supporters have noticed that given our remoteness, people are relying on the BBC and other mainstream Scottish media for their news and subsequently what they believe to be fact.

“We would aim to change this by providing a place that people could come to listen and talk about the case for Scottish independence.

“I was wondering if you would be able to provide me with some info on the best way to go about setting up a yes group in my area? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

“The group will be called West Ardnamurchan yes group and the email address is westardyesgroup@outlook.com.”

We are very confident that some of the many organisational experts that now populate the Yes movement will assist Nicky. And do tell us your experiences of how you did it.

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